A tree planted in tribute to former Beatles guitarist George Harrison has died after being infested by...beetles. The pine tree was planted in Los Angeles' Griffith Park in 2004, three years after the musician's death.

Council officer Tom LaBonge told the Los Angeles Times that the tree had grown to more than 10 feet tall, but that an infestation of beetles had overwhelmed it. A new tree will be planted at a date yet to be announced.

A plaque at the base of the pine tree read: "In memory of a great humanitarian who touched the world as an artist, a musician and a gardener."

It also quoted the singer-songwriting, who said: "For the forests to be green, each tree must be green."

George Harrison in 1967 [Getty/John Williams]

Harrison died in 2001, aged 58, from lung cancer. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered in the Ganges and Yamuna rivers in India. He was known to be a keen gardener.

Last year, a blue plaque was unveiled in London for Harrison and his fellow beatleJohn Lennon. The tribute at 94 Baker Street is the site of the now dissolved Apple Boutique clothing store.